Dolly Parton has spoken out in defense of the Country Music Association’s (CMA) recent decision regarding Beyoncé’s award nominations. In an interview, the 78-year-old music icon addressed the unexpected development involving the pop superstar.
Parton acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, “Well, you never know. There’s so many wonderful country artists that the country music field might have felt it necessary to prioritize those who have dedicated their lives to the genre.”
She admitted that she was unaware of the controversy until it was brought to her attention, as reported by the Daily Mail. Despite this, Parton praised Beyoncé’s album, Cowboy Carter, noting, “It’s a wonderful album, and Beyoncé can be very, very proud of it.”
The “9 to 5” singer emphasized that she believes the country music community welcomed Beyoncé’s efforts and found them valuable. Parton clarified that she does not think Beyoncé was intentionally excluded, explaining, “I don’t think it was a matter of shutting out on purpose. It’s more about what the country charts and country artists are focusing on regularly, not just specialty albums.”
Parton also reflected on her own experience, mentioning her involvement in Beyoncé’s album, which included a cover of Parton’s classic “Jolene.” She acknowledged Beyoncé’s roots, saying, “She’s a country girl from Texas and Louisiana, so she grew up with that background. It wasn’t like she just appeared out of nowhere.”
Parton’s comments highlight her support for both the CMA’s decisions and Beyoncé’s contributions to country music.
